The Nation reports that the Kaduna Police Command has said its men have rescued a pastor, Ozigi Hassan of Mercy Place Ministry Church in Kudenden, Kaduna South Council and four of his children from suspected kidnappers.

The command also said it recovered 137 cattle rustled by bandits in Afaka area.

The command’s PPRO, ASP Mohammad Jalige, made these known in a statement.

Jalige said the command received a report from DPO Kakuri on the 27th April, 2021 at 0200hrs some suspected bandits in large number gained access into the residence of the cleric to abduct him and his family.

On getting the wind of the incident: “Operatives were immediately drafted to the area. They gave the bandits a hot chase deep into the forest, engaged them in a gun duel which forced the bandits to take to their heels with bullet wounds.

“Meanwhile the pastor and his four children were successfully rescued safely but unfortunately the bandits whisked away the wife, one Mrs. Fulaki Ozigi into the forest.”

He said the Police also foiled an attempted kidnap of two persons along Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road on April 27, 2021 around 1520hrs.

According to him: “The command received a report from DPO Buruku that some gunmen had attacked a commuting vehicle along Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highway by Labi Forest in their attempt to kidnap and dispose the victims of their valuables.

“The Police in a view to neutralise the move immediately dispatched operatives who tactically engaged the bandits forcing them to flee into the forest with bullet injuries while the following persons namely; (1) Yusuf Sirajo of Jega Town, Kebbi state (2) Kabiru Yahaya ‘M’ staff of Birnin Gwari LGA secretariat were safely rescued and subsequently reunited with their families.”